The British government announced a ban on American Bully XL dogs on Tuesday after a series of attacks that shocked the United Kingdom. Attacks caused by these animals have increased in recent months, with at least five incidents, two of which were fatal, and others involving children.
These canines with powerful jaws, which can exceed 60 kg and come from a cross between several mastiffs, gained popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused the number of adoptions among the British to jump.
Without authorization, owners will have to euthanize their dog
According to rules presented by the Ministry of the Environment, it will be illegal from January 1 to sell, adopt or abandon an American Bully XL. From February 1, it will be illegal to own one unless you obtain an exemption. In this case, animals must be sterilized, kept on a leash and muzzled in public.
In the absence of such authorization, owners will have to have their dog euthanized by a veterinarian, at the risk of exposing themselves to a fine and seizure of the animal.
Without refuting the dangerousness of these very powerful dogs, scientists and animal rights organizations have expressed skepticism about a ban. They believe that aggressive behavior can be explained by poor training or the attitude of owners, and fear that unscrupulous breeders will simply switch to other dangerous breeds.
“Act quickly and decisively”
In a press release, Minister of the Environment Thérèse Coffey assured that she was acting “quickly and decisively to protect the public from tragic dog attacks”.
The government had promised to legislate after the broadcast of terrifying images of the attack on Ana Paun, an 11-year-old girl, injured in the arm and shoulder in Birmingham, central England.
Days later, two dogs, believed to be American Bully XLs, lunged at a man near a school in the village of Stonnall in central England and killed him.